Deep Purple is a British rock band formed in Hertford, Hertfordshire, in 1968. They are considered to be pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal music. The band’s lineup has undergone several changes over the years, but their most famous lineup consisted of Ian Gillan (vocals), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Jon Lord (keyboards), Roger Glover (bass), and Ian Paice (drums).
Deep Purple is best known for their iconic songs such as “Smoke on the Water,” “Highway Star,” and “Hush.” Their music often features virtuosic performances, particularly from Blackmore on guitar and Lord on keyboards. They have released numerous albums over the years, including classics like “Deep Purple in Rock” (1970), “Machine Head” (1972), and “Burn” (1974).
The band’s style evolved over time, incorporating elements of progressive rock, blues, and even classical music into their sound. Despite lineup changes and periods of hiatus, Deep Purple has remained influential in the rock music scene, inspiring generations of musicians with their powerful and dynamic sound.
1. Smoke on the Water
“Smoke on the Water” is one of Deep Purple’s most famous and enduring songs. It was released in 1972 on their album “Machine Head.” The song’s iconic guitar riff, composed by Ritchie Blackmore, is instantly recognizable and has become one of the most famous guitar riffs in rock music history.
The lyrics of “Smoke on the Water” recount an event that took place during the recording of “Machine Head.” Deep Purple had planned to record the album at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland, but during a Frank Zappa concert on December 4, 1971, a fire broke out, destroying the casino. The “smoke on the water” refers to the smoke that billowed from the burning casino and covered Lake Geneva, as witnessed by the band members from their hotel.
The song’s simple yet powerful structure, combined with its memorable riff and narrative lyrics, helped propel it to immense popularity. “Smoke on the Water” remains a staple of classic rock radio and is often cited as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
2. Highway Star
“Highway Star” is another classic song by Deep Purple, released in 1972 on their album “Machine Head.” It’s renowned for its driving rhythm, electrifying guitar solos, and powerful vocals.
The song begins with a blistering organ introduction by Jon Lord before launching into a fast-paced, hard-rocking groove. Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar work in “Highway Star” is particularly notable, featuring intense solos and intricate riffs that showcase his virtuosity.
The lyrics of “Highway Star” are an ode to the thrill of driving fast and the freedom of the open road. The protagonist of the song is depicted as a “highway star” who revels in the adrenaline rush of speeding down the highway in a powerful car.
“Highway Star” is beloved by fans for its high-energy performance and has become one of Deep Purple’s signature songs. It’s often featured in their live performances and is regarded as one of the defining tracks of the hard rock genre.
3. Child in Time
“Child in Time” is a powerful and emotionally charged song by Deep Purple, appearing on their 1970 album “Deep Purple in Rock.” The track is characterized by its haunting vocals, intense instrumentation, and evocative lyrics.
The song begins with a gentle, atmospheric introduction, featuring Jon Lord’s haunting organ melody. Ian Gillan’s vocals then come in, delivering poignant lyrics that touch upon themes of innocence lost, the passage of time, and the struggle for peace in a turbulent world.
As the song progresses, it builds to a climax with Gillan’s iconic screams and Ritchie Blackmore’s blistering guitar solos, creating a sense of urgency and intensity. The extended instrumental sections allow the band members to showcase their musical prowess, with intricate interplay between guitar, organ, bass, and drums.
“Child in Time” is often regarded as one of Deep Purple’s masterpieces and a highlight of their early career. Its epic length and emotional depth have made it a favorite among fans and critics alike, cementing its status as a classic in the rock music canon.
4. Perfect Strangers
“Perfect Strangers” is a song by Deep Purple, released as the title track of their 1984 album “Perfect Strangers.” This album marked the reunion of the classic “Mark II” lineup of Deep Purple, featuring Ian Gillan on vocals, Ritchie Blackmore on guitar, Jon Lord on keyboards, Roger Glover on bass, and Ian Paice on drums, after an eight-year hiatus.
The song “Perfect Strangers” features a distinctive and driving guitar riff by Ritchie Blackmore, supported by Jon Lord’s atmospheric keyboard work. Ian Gillan’s vocals are dynamic and powerful, delivering lyrics that reflect themes of reunion, introspection, and the passage of time.
The track showcases the band’s ability to blend hard rock with elements of progressive and melodic rock, creating a sound that feels both familiar and innovative. “Perfect Strangers” was a commercial success, reaching high chart positions in several countries and becoming one of Deep Purple’s most enduring songs from their later period.
The album “Perfect Strangers” as a whole was well-received by both fans and critics, marking a successful comeback for Deep Purple and solidifying their status as one of the most influential bands in the history of rock music.
5. Hush
“Hush” is a song originally written by American musician Joe South and first recorded by Billy Joe Royal in 1967. However, it was Deep Purple’s cover of “Hush” that became the most well-known version.
Deep Purple released their rendition of “Hush” as a single in 1968, prior to the band’s more iconic hard rock sound. Their version of the song features a catchy and upbeat arrangement, driven by a distinctive bassline and Hammond organ riff, along with Ian Gillan’s soulful vocals. Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar work also adds a lively element to the track.
“Hush” became a commercial success for Deep Purple, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It helped to establish the band’s early reputation and gained them widespread recognition, particularly in North America.
Over the years, “Hush” has remained a staple of Deep Purple’s live performances and a beloved classic among fans of the band and classic rock music in general. It’s often regarded as one of the standout tracks from Deep Purple’s early years.
6. Burn
“Burn” is a song by Deep Purple, serving as the title track and the opening song on their 1974 album of the same name, “Burn.” This album marked the first with the “Mark III” lineup of Deep Purple, featuring David Coverdale on vocals and Glenn Hughes on bass and vocals, alongside Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice.
The song “Burn” is a high-energy hard rock track characterized by its driving rhythm, powerful vocals, and intricate guitar work. David Coverdale’s soulful and dynamic vocals, combined with Glenn Hughes’s harmonizing and distinctive bass lines, add depth and intensity to the song. Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar solos are particularly notable, showcasing his virtuosity and flair.
Lyrically, “Burn” touches upon themes of rebellion, liberation, and the desire for change, reflecting the turbulent times in which it was written.
“Burn” was a successful single for Deep Purple, reaching high chart positions in several countries. It remains one of the band’s most beloved songs from their mid-1970s period and is often performed live as a highlight of their concerts. The album “Burn” itself was well-received by both fans and critics, cementing Deep Purple’s reputation as one of the premier hard rock bands of the era.
7. Fireball
“Fireball” is a song by Deep Purple, serving as the title track and the opening song on their 1971 album of the same name, “Fireball.” The song showcases the band’s signature hard rock sound, featuring driving rhythms, energetic guitar riffs, and powerful vocals.
“Fireball” is characterized by its fast tempo and intense instrumental sections, with Ritchie Blackmore’s fiery guitar work and Jon Lord’s energetic keyboard playing taking center stage. Ian Gillan’s vocals are dynamic and commanding, delivering lyrics that touch upon themes of speed, adrenaline, and the thrill of the chase.
The song’s rapid pace and exhilarating instrumentation contribute to its status as one of Deep Purple’s most adrenaline-fueled tracks. “Fireball” was released as a single and achieved moderate success, further solidifying Deep Purple’s reputation as one of the leading bands in the hard rock genre.
The album “Fireball” as a whole was well-received by fans and critics, showcasing Deep Purple’s musical prowess and innovative approach to rock music. “Fireball” remains a fan favorite and a staple of Deep Purple’s live performances.
8. Space Truckin’
“Space Truckin'” is a song by Deep Purple, featured on their 1972 album “Machine Head.” The track is known for its energetic and driving rhythm, as well as its science fiction-inspired lyrics.
“Space Truckin'” is characterized by its catchy guitar riff, powerful vocals, and dynamic instrumental sections. Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar work is particularly notable, showcasing his virtuosity and creativity. The song also features Jon Lord’s distinctive keyboard playing, which adds depth and texture to the sound.
Lyrically, “Space Truckin'” paints a vivid picture of a futuristic space journey, with references to interstellar travel and cosmic adventures. The song’s upbeat and lively tempo, combined with its imaginative lyrics, make it a fan favorite and a standout track on the “Machine Head” album.
“Space Truckin'” has become one of Deep Purple’s most enduring songs and is often performed live during their concerts. Its energetic and anthemic qualities have contributed to its status as a classic in the hard rock genre.
9. Woman from Tokyo
“Woman from Tokyo” is a song by Deep Purple, appearing on their 1973 album “Who Do We Think We Are.” The track is notable for its catchy riff, melodic structure, and Ian Gillan’s distinctive vocals.
“Woman from Tokyo” features a memorable guitar riff by Ritchie Blackmore that drives the song forward. Jon Lord’s keyboards add depth and atmosphere to the track, while Ian Paice’s drumming provides a solid foundation for the rhythm. Ian Gillan’s vocals are dynamic and expressive, delivering lyrics that tell the story of a man’s fascination with a mysterious woman from the city of Tokyo.
The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a standout track on the album, and it became one of Deep Purple’s most popular songs. “Woman from Tokyo” received significant airplay on rock radio stations and remains a favorite among fans of the band.
Overall, “Woman from Tokyo” exemplifies Deep Purple’s ability to blend hard rock with melodic elements, creating a sound that is both powerful and accessible. It has stood the test of time as one of the band’s most enduring and beloved songs.
10. Soldier of Fortune
“Soldier of Fortune” is a song by Deep Purple, featured on their 1974 album “Stormbringer.” It is a departure from the band’s usual hard rock sound, instead offering a more introspective and melancholic ballad.
The song is characterized by its haunting melody and emotive lyrics, which reflect themes of longing, heartache, and the toll of a life spent on the road. David Coverdale’s soulful vocals are particularly poignant, conveying a sense of vulnerability and introspection.
“Soldier of Fortune” is driven by acoustic guitar and piano, giving it a softer and more intimate feel compared to Deep Purple’s heavier tracks. Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar solo adds depth and emotion to the song, complementing the heartfelt lyrics.
Despite being less commercially successful than some of Deep Purple’s other songs, “Soldier of Fortune” has become a fan favorite and is often regarded as one of the band’s most emotionally resonant tracks. Its introspective lyrics and haunting melody make it a standout moment on the “Stormbringer” album.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
